CAROB- is it healthy?

Jill_newimprovedversion
Jill_newimprovedversion Posts: 988 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Is it a healthy alternative to chocolate?

Where might I find it besides online?

Replies

  • devonette
    devonette Posts: 263 Member
    From what I understand, the only health "benefit" of carob over cocoa is that it has no caffeine in it and people who are allergic to chocolate can use it as a substitute when they have their chocolate cravings.

    When processed into the chocolate like coating or candy, carob contains about the same amount of fats, calories and carbs as chocolate does, so there's no real benefit for weight loss or healthier eating purposes, and I think it's missing some of the supposed health benefits chocolate itself has. The powdered form of carob has less sugar (it's more naturally sweet) but has more fat than cocoa.

    I'm not sure about availability in your area, but carob products have been available in our local supermarket for years, like carob coated raisins or nuts, some carob candy bars, some carob chips, etc. It depends, I guess, on what form of it you are looking for. Most "health food" stores carry it in some form (again, carob coated dried fruits/nuts, cookies with carob chips), sporting goods stores like REI carry energy bars made with carob, and so on. I think Clover Dale Bulk Foods out by you in Cambridge Springs carries the carob powder, not sure about any other carob products, but I'm sure you could check with them and see what else they have.
  • rosieflo
    rosieflo Posts: 218
    I have no clue about the healthiness of if, but I did see some carob at Norrisville Grocer today! :) I was inches from buying it, but decided not to.
  • zellagrrl
    zellagrrl Posts: 439
    Healthy, not particularly. The taste is somewhat different from chocolate, but not bad. Just different.
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    I have some in it's powdered form to make hot drinks from and although it tastes different to drinking chocolate, it goes a heck of a long way. You can make 4-5 cups from the same teaspoon of pure carob powder, and I would say for a drink, it is pretty natural.
  • mbajrami
    mbajrami Posts: 636 Member
    I have only ever seen it used as a chocolate alternative for dog treats.

    Huh. Interesting.
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    Few links that might or might not be of interest to anyone reading.


    http://www.livestrong.com/article/261451-what-are-the-benefits-of-carob-powder/

    http://healthmad.com/nutrition/foods-that-are-healthy-to-heart-12-great-benefits-of-carob/

    http://www.raysahelian.com/carob.html
  • carld256
    carld256 Posts: 855 Member
    I have only ever seen it used as a chocolate alternative for dog treats.

    Huh. Interesting.

    Hah, I was just about to post that I've used it for that. It tastes chocolate-ish, but different. It has different nutrients than chocolate, and I *think* overall it's more nutritious, but don't hold my feet to the fire on that one. But, if you like chocolate, you'll almost certainly be happier with the real thing.
  • wild_wild_life
    wild_wild_life Posts: 1,334 Member
    I like it, I use it a lot. I usually mix carob powder in with plain yogurt to give it a little extra sweetness without adding a sweetener. It has a little bit of a chocolate taste although it is more a taste of its own. Carob chips are also good but not as healthy as the powder because of the other things added in.

    If you search the web for health benefits of carob a lot of things will come up but I don't know how much of that is just according to the national carob board and how much is true.

    You should be able to get it at natural food stores or stores like whole foods.

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